The first take-notice effort from a classic prospect came six days into the calendar year as Mask made his challengers pay for letting him have things his own way during a 6 1/4-length win in the $100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes Jan. 6.

A paralyzing winter storm and deep freeze have put racing in hibernation for the time being in the Northeast, so handicappers will devote most of their attention to South Florida and Southern California.